Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Relaxed and looking forward to their big day, the Mario Testino portrait of Prince William and Kate Middleton, as she was then

With wide smiles, they can barely conceal the excitement of their newly-announced engagement.

In this never-before-seen photograph, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appear close and relaxed – thrilled by thoughts of their impending big day.

The photograph, taken by Mario Testino, graces the July cover of Vanity Fair.

It includes further portraits by Testino, such as the iconic picture of Princess Diana in 1997.

The Peruvian photographer took William and Kate’s engagement pictures at St James’ Palace last November.

Though William, Prince Harry and the Prince of Wales have all turned to Testino for pictures to commemorate milestones, the celebrated fashion photographer had never before captured Miss Middleton.

But speaking the Mail On Sunday's Katie Nicholl for the accompany interview in U.S. Vogue, he said he already felt ‘very confident’ she would be an ‘easy sitter’ because of her natural grace.

And last week, speaking at a gala in his honour in New York, the 56-year-old said he understood why he was chosen to take the photographs.

Testino, a close friend of Diana’s, said: ‘I guess it was a way for them to keep William’s mother in the whole process of it.’

Despite the pressure of the shoot, Testino said the Duchess ‘looked fabulous’ and that the couple exuded ‘sheer happiness’.

He added: ‘They are a young couple in love.’

Portraits: Mario Testino (left) took Prince William and the then Kate Milddleton's official engagement picture (right) in 2010

The edition will lift the lid on the couple’s house-hunting and who does the chores around their Anglesey home.

It describes the pair’s giggles as they watched their nuptials back on television, and recounts the moment Michael Middleton realised the relationship was serious – when Prince William arrived at his Berkshire home by helicopter.

It also recalls the rather surprising requests the pair had for their honeymoon suite – including Philadelphia cream cheese and Brussel sprouts.

The July issue of Vanity Fair will be on news-stands on June 3, ahead of the newly-weds’ trip to Canada and California in July.

Beachside glamour: Katie Holmes and her daughter Suri Cruise stepped out in heels today for a Memorial Day beach party in Malibu

They may have been relaxing beachside, but that still didn't stop Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise from putting their best foot forward.

The mother and daughter duo both wore high heels as they attended a Memorial Day beach party in Malibu, today.

The five-year-old toddler slipped her tiny feet into some gold strappy platforms, while her 32-year-old mother opted for some charcoal kitten-heels as they took to the sand for some seaside fun.

Suri paired her grown-up shoes with a pretty pink floral skirt and a white long-sleeved top, and wore her chocolate locks out and loose around her shoulders.

Her mother looked equally chic in a pair of denim shorts, a white v-neck tee and a black linen blazer.

She finished off the look with which a straw fedora hat.

The pair had a ball under the warm Californian sun, with Katie keeping a close eye on Suri who was particularly taken by a pink balloon.

Suri watched wide-eyed as other children played nearby with beach toys, but made sure to keep close to her mother.

Well-heeled: Suri appeared to be taking style tips from her mother

After their seaside fun, the tired tot required a helping hand up the stairs from Katie, as they made their way back into the party.

Katie husband and Suri's dad Tom Cruise was also at the bash.

The 48-year-old actor, who was also wearing a fedora hat, opted to stay closer indoors with his other son Connor, 16.

This isn't the first time Suri has emerged in her glamorous pair of gilded heels.Just a couple of weeks ago, the little girl jetted out of Miami with her mother in a private jet, again wearing the golden shoes.

With gusts created by the plane's turbines, the smiling tot was left grabbing on to her head as her hair billowed everywhere.

Sinking in the sand: The five-year-old toddler slipped her tiny feet into some gold strappy platforms, while her 32-year-old mother opted for some charcoal kitten-heeled shoes, but their footwear sank into the sand

The stylish youngster was dressed in green leggings, a grey top and gold shoes.Her father Tom, 48, was seen taking a protective hold of his daughter as Katie, disembarked from the car.

The family had been spending their last few days in Miami while Tom had started filming on his new project Rock Of Ages alongside Alec Baldwin, Malin Akerman, Russell Brand and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Dressed to the nines: Suri paired her grown-up shoes with a pretty pink floral skirt and a white long-sleeved top and wore her chocolate locks out and loose around her shoulders

Amused: Suri seemed particularly taken with her pink balloon shaped like an animal

Suri has been credited — and blamed — for sparking a multi-million-dollar mania for putting pampered kids in designer labels after stepping out in $800 miniature Marc Jacobs heels and $2,100 Dolce & Gabbana trench coats.

Suri has been wearing high heels for two years, with Katie describing them as 'ballroom dancing shoes for kids.'

Thanks to a serious shopping habit that has been indulged ever since she was a toddler, Suri's wardrobe is said to be worth nearly $3.3million.

What are they doing mom? Suri watched wide-eyed as other children played nearby with beach toys, but made sure to keep close to her mother

Father and son: Tom Cruise, who was also wearing a fedora hat, and his son Connor stayed closer indoors at the bash

The toddler has also been wearing make-up for two years and was spotted earlier this year making selections at beauty chain Sephora in New York.

She favours pink lipstick for daytime and a dramatic slash of red at night.

She also has her own designer bags to carry her books and cuddly toys — she has a smaller version of her mother’s Ferragamo Sofia bag and often carries her very own $18,000 Hermes handbag.

Keeping prim: Katie made sure that Suri looked presentable throughout the day

Helping hand: After their seaside fun, the tired tot required a helping hand up the stairs from Katie as they made their way back into the party

Racy lady: Amanda Holden arrived at the Britain's Got Talent studios this evening on the back of a motorbike to avoid the Bank Holiday traffic

It's the moment that fans have been waiting for - the return of Britain's Got Talent head judge Simon Cowell on tonight's show.

And his co-judge Amanda Holden was leaving nothing to chance when it came to getting to the show studios on time today - she was whisked there on the back of a motorbike to avoid getting stuck in Bank Holiday traffic.

Easy rider: The judge proved to be a proficient pillion passenger and even dismounted with ease, despite wearing a short grey mini skirt and towering stilettos

However, she still managed to dismount the bike with decorum before she then removed her helmet and made her way into make-up.

Keen: Amanda wrote on her Twitter page that she 'couldn't wait' to join 'her boys' including Simon Cowell on tonight's show - so made a speedy entrance on a motorbike

The star had revealed earlier today that she couldn't wait for tonight's show - though she revealed she was feeling nervous.

Writing on her Twitter page, she said: 'Woken up with major butterflies!! Cannot wait to see all the boys later and especially Simon! Hooray x'

Petrol head: The judge will be hoping to fire on all cylinders for tonight's first live semi-final - and she might want to hold on to her hard hat to protect her from co-judge Simon Cowell's comments about the acts she's helped put through...

Going through to the live semi-finals: Pippa Langhorne and her dog Buddy (left) and Romanian dancer Razy Gogonea were chosen by the judges

Flying high: Joe Oakley amazed the audience with his bike stunt tricks and progressed to the semis

Nerve-wracking: Oakley persuaded his father and a friend to lie on the floor while he jumped over them on his bike

Keyboardist Jessica Hobson, 19, and teen soprano Georgia Odette, 13, both made it through with their renditions of Billie Jean and You'll Never Walk Alone respectively.

Singing duo Mr and Mrs - who are an actual married couple comprising of a school teacher and social worker - also went through.

Infectious personality: Former music teacher Jean Martyn wowed the audience with her rock 'n' roll piano playing

But the next act received three yeses after receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

Former music teacher Jean Martyn, 59, got the whole audience moving with her energetic rock 'n' roll piano routine to Great Balls Of Fire.

Mcintyre said: 'Your smile is infectious. Wildly entertaining.'

• The first Britain's Got Final semi-final is on tonight at 7:30pm.

Decision time: The Britain's Got Talent judges had to whittle down 220 acts to 40 ahead of this week's semi-finals

Leader of the pack: Britain's Got Talent's head honcho Simon Cowell returned to the judging panel tonight for the first live semi-final - but got ribbed by hosts Ant and Dec over the Cheryl Cole X Factor controversy

Simon Cowell made his eagerly-anticipated return to Britain's Got Talent tonight for the first live semi-final - and instantly got teased by show hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly over the Cheryl Cole X Factor controversy.

Cowell took to the stage mere hours after it was confirmed that the Girls Aloud star would not be a judge on this year's UK X Factor after being sacked from the U.S. version too.

And Dec couldn't resist having a pop at the show's head honcho over the treatment of fellow Geordie Cheryl, saying: 'Can you understand my accent Simon?' as he reclaimed his seat on the BGT judging panel alongside Michael McIntyre, Amanda Holden and David Hasselhoff.

Sign language: Declan Donnelly, (r) with co-host Ant McPartlin (l), referred to Cheryl Cole's dumping from the U.S. X Factor by asking Simon if he could understand his Geordie accent

Cheeky: Simon gave Ant and Dec a very knowing look as he refused to be drawn on their jibe about Cheryl Cole's departure from the X Factor

Simon's return saw 12-year-old singer Ronan Parke get put straight through to Saturday's grand final after landing the most public votes with his version of Adele's Make You Feel My Love - originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan.

Top three: (L-R) Paul Paul Gbegbaje, Joe Oakley and Ronan Parke were the three acts who got the most votes from the public on tonight's first live semi-final

However, the decision on who else should go though to the final split the judges, with David and Michael voting for BMX stunt rider Joe Oakley, but Amanda and Simon siding with pianist Paul Gbegbaje.

Ant and Dec then went to the public vote - and Paul won through with more votes.

Tense: Ronan was shocked to be voted through immediately, but Paul had to wait to hear if he'd been put through after his performance split the judging panel

Good sport: BMX rider Joe still congratulated Paul after he was voted off in favour of the piano player who went through to Saturday's final

Simon had made his grand entrance returning to the show wearing a light grey suit and a white shirt shirt unbutton to his chest, soundtracked by the Superman movie theme music to a standing ovation from his fellow judges.

However, Simon pretended not to realise that Dec was referring to the rumours that Cheryl was dropped because American audiences couldn't understand her accent, saying: 'Am I missing something here?'

Dec repeated his question as to whether or not Simon could understand his Geordie accent, but Simon sidestepped the question, announcing: 'Moving swiftly on...'

Three become four: After weeks of judging on their own, David, Amanda and Michael were rejoined by Simon tonight as the competition reached the live semis

On with the show: Simon sidestepped Ant and Dec's joke and got to work with the rest of the panel to judge the first live semi-final of BGT tonight

Thumbs up: The Hoff appeared delighted that Simon had returned to the judging panel

Simon, who has been away from the BGT judging panel while he concentrated on launching the X Factor in the States, was then asked by Ant and Dec whether he'd agreed with the decisions the judges had made in his absence.

Happy to avoid talking further on the topic of Cheryl however, Simon visibly relaxed and said: 'I've put my absolute trust in these three to find a star.

'Some of the time, one or two decisions I wouldn't have made, but I am assured by Amanda that everyone's ready for the semi finals.'

Not enough: Stuart Arnold was voted out of the competition tonight after his bizarre act failed to impress viewers at home

Saucy dance troupe Girls Roc were the first act before the new four-strong judging panel, and instantly got Simon's seal of approval.

They emerged on a huge set of scaffolding to a remix of Eurythmic's Sweet Dreams - complete with their trademark snake and firebreathing.

They got a resounding thumbs up from David, Michael and Amanda, with Simon enthusing: 'I thought it was fantastic, nothing missing, you blowing fire, snakes, dancing. Do you do home shows?'

Piano man: Paul Gbegbaje was in tune with what the judges wanted and got a resounding thumbs up from all four

Generations of talent: Grandfather and granddaughter act Ted And Grace provided a few laughs on the night

He enthused: 'I would book you for my birthday party next year. I thought the staging was great, the dancing was a bit okay, but who cares? Terrific show girls.'

Other acts battling for the chance to win £100,000 and the chance to perform for The Queen at the Royal Variety Performance in December included long-shot Stuart Arnold, the self-styled Enter-Terminator, who failed to impress David or Simon, getting buzzed off by both.

Dog-lover Simon naturally loved canine dancers Mega and Biba with their owner Donelda Guy performing their routine to Shirley Bassey's cover of Pink's Get The Party Started.

Tenterhooks: There was tension in the studio before the finalists were unveiled by show hosts Ant and Dec

Daredevil: BMX stunt rider Joe Oakley was one of Simon's favourite acts on the night - and he managed not to fall off

Simon gushed: 'It worked more for the dogs than it did for you. But I like the facts the dogs were dancing in the middle', to which Donelda said: 'That was especially for you, Simon.'

Pianist Paul Gbegbaje was also a big hit with the judges, as were martial arts siblings the Bruce Sistaz and the shambolic but sweet Ted and Grace.But arguably, the best was saved to last.

Big moment: 12-year-old Ronan Parke captivated the entire audience with his pitch-perfect rendition of Adele's Make You Feel My Love

Moved: Both Amanda and Simon raved about young Ronan's assured performance before millions watching live on tonight's show

On song: Ronan is an early favourite to win Saturday's BGT final and the chance to win £100,000 and a place on the Royal Variety Performance bill in December

Simon declared that penultimate performance of the night, BMX stunt rider Joe Oakley, as his favourite act of the evening, but then 12-year-old singer Ronan Parke was last up and appeared to blow all competition out of the water with his assured version of Adele's Make You Feel My Love.

David tipped Ronan to win on Saturday too, saying: 'You sang your heart out and we all felt it. You're going to be really hard to beat in this competition.'

Michael concurred, saying: 'You're a total natural. You nailed that song and I think you've got even more in reserve. '

Amanda was even more positive, saying: 'It was effortless. You have the most gorgeous voice and your parents must be bursting with pride - as I think the whole nation will be after that performance.'

And Simon said: 'I wasn't crazy about your initial choice of song, but I have to say you totally and utterly nailed that.

'If Adele's watching now I think she'll be really happy.'

There was a wait after all the performances had finished and the show returned for the 9.30pm results show, which saw an impressive performance from last year's winner's Spelbound.

Ant and Dec then announced the results of the public vote - which saw Ronan named as the out-and-out winner with automatic entry to Saturday's final.

There were then the nail-biting scenes as the judging panel was split between Paul Gbegbaje and Joe Oakley as to who should be the second act put through - before the public voted was revealed by Ant and Dec and the pianist put through to Saturdays' live final.

Britain's Got Talent is on every day this week on ITV1 at 7,30pm and 9.30pm, as the further acts are whittled down to qualify for Saturday's show.